ANKENY, Iowa — The Iowa Soybean Association (ISA), powered by the soybean checkoff, is now the exclusive biodiesel partner of the band Big Time Grain Co. Clean-burning biodiesel made from soybeans grown by Iowa farmers will power the group’s summer 2022 tour across the state and Midwest. The announcement coincided with National Earth Day, a celebration of our shared commitment to protecting and preserving the quality of our natural resources.
Big Time Grain Co. is fronted by brothers Bret and Chad Bourquin. Raised on a Kansas farm, agriculture, guitars, banjos, mandolins and fiddles have been a part of their lives from an early age. The duo will bring their rural roots to stages across the Midwest, advancing biodiesel awareness and highlighting the Iowa farmers who make the sustainable fuel a reality. A biodiesel-powered van will transport the band in style and is expected to log over 15,000 tour miles.
“We are honored and hugely grateful to be partnering with the Iowa Soybean Association and Iowa’s soybean farmers as we hit the road for a busy summer tour,” said Chad Bourquin, lead guitarist and vocalist. “Combining great music with promoting clean burning, homegrown biodiesel benefiting farmers and the communities in which we perform just makes us smile.”
Iowa leads the nation in biodiesel production, with the state’s 11 biodiesel plants producing an estimated 340 million gallons in 2021. As the most sustainable liquid fuel available, biodiesel can make immediate strides in reducing carbon emitted from vehicles, equipment and more. When compared to petroleum-based diesel, biodiesel:
- Reduces lifecycle greenhouse gases by up to 86 percent.
- Lowers particulate matter by 47 percent in older diesel engines, reduces smog and makes our air healthier to breathe.
- Reduces hydrocarbon emissions by 67 percent in older diesel engines.
Dave Walton, an ISA and Iowa Biodiesel Board (IBB) director and soybean farmer from Wilton, says Iowa’s solution to the national call for sustainable energy security is biodiesel.
“Through this partnership, Big Time Grain Co. is helping to elevate the voices of Iowa soybean growers and promote the use of cleaner-burning fuels as the nation’s energy values continue to change,” said Walton. “To continue increasing the demand for homegrown soy and keep Iowa’s 40,000 soybean farmers in a position to succeed, expanding the use of biodiesel is essential.”
By increasing soybean oil value, biodiesel supports 13% of the price per bushel of soybeans; equated to $1.78 per bushel in 2021. It also lowers the price of soybean meal, a key ingredient for livestock producers and the food supply.
To learn more, visit iasoybeans.com. For tour update information and samples of Big Time Grain Co. music, visit bigtimegrain.com.
— Iowa Soybean Association
